Eating With Erica

Some recipes never lose their appeal, no matter the season.

The Mushroom Grilled Cheese Sandwich is one of those classics that brings warmth and comfort with every bite. Golden, buttery bread paired with perfectly melted cheese creates a meal that feels just right for a cozy fall afternoon. Serve it alongside a bowl of tomato soup for lunch or enjoy it as an easy weeknight dinner when you're craving something simple and satisfying.

The meals we return to most often aren't always the most elaborate. They're the ones that bring comfort, encourage us to slow down, and make home feel especially inviting.

Discover how to make The Best Grilled Cheese Sandwich here:
https://eatingwitherica.com/2019/01/the-best-grilled-cheese-sandwich/

One of my favorite ways to reimagine them is with layers of roasted turkey, creamy Brie, tart cranberry sauce, and crisp bread. It's a simple combination that feels just as inviting for a leisurely fall lunch as it does for welcoming overnight guests the morning after a holiday gathering.

I love recipes that carry the warmth of a celebration into the days that follow. They remind us that some of the best moments happen after the holiday, when the pace slows, the conversations continue, and there's still something wonderful to share.

Find the full recipe here:
https://eatingwitherica.com/2022/12/turkey-cranberry-brie-sandwich/

There’s a difference between being genuinely content with what you have and convincing yourself that you don’t want more because asking for more feels risky.

In this week’s Substack, I’m asking a question that applies to relationships, careers, friendships, money, and almost every area of our lives:

Are you choosing less—or have you simply gotten used to it?

Sometimes our standards aren’t actually our standards. They’re based on what we’ve been exposed to, what we thought was available, or what we believed we could realistically ask for.

And once you realize more is possible, you may see your choices very differently.

Read the full conversation here:
https://ericaathomas.substack.com/p/are-you-okay-accepting-lessor-do?r=5v2ano&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

I’d love to know your answer: If you knew with absolute certainty that better was available to you, would you still choose what you’re choosing today?

I have always believed breakfast deserves the same attention we give to dinner.

A beautifully prepared morning meal has a way of setting the tone for the rest of the day. Whether you're hosting weekend guests or enjoying a slow fall morning at home, this Open-Face Breakfast Bruschetta brings together fresh, vibrant ingredients in a way that feels simple, elegant, and satisfying.

Hospitality isn't reserved for special occasions. Sometimes it looks like inviting a friend over for breakfast, lingering over coffee, and sharing a meal that's made with care.

Discover the full recipe here:
https://eatingwitherica.com/2026/02/open-face-breakfast-bruschetta-sandwich/

A memorable brunch is rarely about serving one perfect dish. It's about creating a table that encourages everyone to gather, share, and enjoy the morning together.

That's exactly why I love a waffle board. Fresh fruit, warm waffles, whipped cream, syrups, and a variety of toppings invite guests to build something that's uniquely their own while keeping the atmosphere relaxed and welcoming.

Whether you're hosting a fall brunch, celebrating a birthday, or simply making an ordinary weekend feel a little more special, a thoughtfully arranged board turns breakfast into an experience worth savoring.

See how to create your own waffle board here:
https://eatingwitherica.com/2023/01/waffle-board/

Not every meal needs a beautifully set dining table to feel memorable.

Some of my favorite recipes are the ones that come together quickly without sacrificing flavor or presentation. These Chicken Lettuce Wraps are fresh, vibrant, and full of texture, making them just as perfect for a relaxed lunch as they are for serving as a light starter when entertaining.

I always appreciate recipes that leave more room for what matters most good conversation, unhurried moments, and the people gathered around you. Those are the ingredients that truly make a meal special.

Get the full recipe here:
https://eatingwitherica.com/2020/07/recipe-pace-chicken-lettuce-wraps/

Why do another woman’s high standards bother us so much?

If she wants more from her career, her relationships, her friendships, her finances, or simply from the life she is building, why does that automatically make her difficult, unrealistic, materialistic, or “too much”?

You don’t have to want what she wants.

You don’t have to understand her standards.

But maybe we can normalize allowing women to decide what is acceptable for their own lives without immediately trying to convince them to want less.

My latest article is about standards, judgment, and why another woman refusing to settle can make people surprisingly uncomfortable.

Read it here:

ericaathomas.substack.com